Rawstory has a document outlining the defense for Bush in the illegal NSA wiretapping case. Their main defense: "The President has the chief responsibility under the Constitution to protect America from attack, and the Constitution gives the President the authority necessary to fulfill that solemn responsibility."
more after the fold......
This is an out and out fabrication or better known as a lie. They are assuming a lack of knowledge from the American people on the articles of the Constitution, ( and a pretty good assumption if you ask me) . There is NOTHING in the constitution making it the responsibility of the president to "protect" America or the american people and in FACT that responsibility is given to CONGRESS!
"Section 8. The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;"
Get that? CONGRESS is responsible for the common defense, and general welfare.
So what are the presidents responsibilities?
"Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Thats right its his job to protect and defend THE CONSTITUTION!!!
and what else:
"he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed"
Thats right FAITHFULLY EXECUTED! Doesn't say interpret, or ignore during time of war, or make up, its says "faithfully execute". And what happens if he doesn't faithfully execute the laws, and faithfully defend the Constitution?
"Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. "
Soooo media pundits, and congressmen, anyone care to read the Constitution before spouting off about the presidents "responsibilities"??
So whenever you hear some idiot say "its the presidents' Constitutional responsibility to protect the American people," tell them " No its not"!